A Great History CBO 2006

So, this is, oddly enough, my first [and now last] meditation, which was originally published in the 2006 CBO Meditation Journal, based on the theme Keeping Watch, from Luke 2:8.

A Great History

“The lamp of the body is the eye.  If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light.  But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness.If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” Matthew 6:22-23

Sometimes I forget that there is a great history around me.  In each building that I pass.  In each person that I meet.  In every corner of my life.  Sometimes I forget that there is a great history around me.

It seems fairly easy to forget this.  After all, I lead a busy life—full of work, love, church, and the occasional moment of relaxation.  And it is so easy to become wrapped up in my own worries and successes, and to forget that there is a great history around me.

But then, from time to time, I slow down and reflect on that great history.  I think of the plight of those men and women that have been oppressed so that other men and women could live in luxury.  I think of the children that have lost, or never had, a parent to guide them.

And I think of a Great God that created it all, and works through it all, so that he can care for and love all.  I think of his Son, who came as a baby.  I think of his Son, who lived to show us how to live and died to show us how to die, so that we could follow his lead.  I think of a long line of people that have carried their crosses so that I might remember to carry mine.  Yet sometimes I forget that there is a great history around me.

Remember to take the time to slow down and remember where you are, where you have come from, and where God is leading you next.  And while you're at it this holiday season, worry about your family more than about the gifts you will buy them.

+ Again and again, Jesus left the crowds to be alone with his Father in prayer, what will it take for you to find this same sense of Sabbath, this sense of solitude?

+ Our society is constantly preaching speed as a way of life, and when things aren't fast enough we get angry.  Are you willing to show patience in the face of adversity, love in the face of anger, and grace in the face of sin?

+ In what ways can you remember the story that is our history?

Peace and Love,

Pastor K

p.s. If I don't get a chance to tell you in person, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and may you have a glorious holiday, whichever one you do or do not celebrate.